I don’t want to sound like a broken record but when you have to do things like walk on snow or walk a path that is completely uneven, such as on Mt. Gassan or even Mt. Haguro, it basically forces you to be in the moment. Any slip could be disastrous, so your only choice …

Lessons are everywhere on the mountains Read More »

I doubt there are many people out there who have walked on a snowy slope to get to the top of a mountain. Well, at least I had never done so until last year. We did just that today, climbing Mt. Gassan, and probably walked over at least 200m worth of snow at that. Sendatsu …

Misty mountain peaks Read More »

I’m failing at my own goals. I had said that if I was ever too busy to go for two swims in a week, that I was doing something wrong. Now I’m too busy to even write this blog. But I’m kind of stuck. Teaching 8 classes a week is really taking its toll (especially …

Running on reserves Read More »

In regards to work, in regards to becoming a linchpin, you first need to have some sort of expertise, in some sort of niche. I would say that any area is fine, so that people call upon you when it is your area. Well, any area that has value to people that is. Choose a …

In becoming a linchpin Read More »

I’ll give you a good tip for travel in Japan outside the main centres. Get a car! This may sound obvious, but anywhere that doesn’t have a decent transport system is going to be too much hassle without one. Japan is famous for its trains, most notably the bullet train and things like the Yamanote …

A tip for travel in Japan Read More »

Today I was talking with some old friends and the conversation turned to something of a sore spot for me, a place that I used to work for that had unceremoniously let me go. However, this was a few years back now, and I had all but forgotten about how I felt at the time. …

Give it time Read More »

A friend asked me about working in Japan, and I made the following list. I thought it would be worth sharing in case you were interested, but it is extremely random. What are the top 10 most surprising things about working in Japan that you wish you had known before you started. 1. Learn how …

What are the top 10 most surprising things about working in Japan that you wish you had known before you started. Read More »